■About Me
Salama daholo (Hello, everyone)! I'm Nil from Madagascar, and I came to Japan as an international student in April 2023. I’m currently attending a technical college in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, to gain specialized knowledge and skills. Since arriving in Japan, I’ve had many new experiences with the language, culture, and food. But among them, the one place that gave me surprise, comfort, and daily joys was the Japanese-style Italian restaurant “Saizeriya”. From the first time I visited, I was drawn in by its unique charm. Today, I want to introduce you to my favorite restaurant—one where even international students with limited Japanese skills can comfortably go alone.
■How I Found Saizeriya
I discovered Saizeriya not long after I arrived in Japan. At the time, I wasn’t confident in my Japanese and wasn’t good at using chopsticks, so I was uneasy about eating out. One day, I asked my Japanese language teacher, “Is there a cheap restaurant where I can eat alone and use a knife and fork?” Without hesitation, she said, “Then you should go to Saizeriya!” That was the first time I heard of it. Since she recommended it, I decided to try it out over the weekend. That was my first encounter with Saizeriya.
■What Kind of Restaurant is Saizeriya?
To me, Saizeriya is an Italian-style restaurant that is, in reality, fully adapted to Japanese tastes. When you look at the menu, you see Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and focaccia but with toppings like cod roe (tarako), popcorn shrimp, and lots of corn, which aren’t used in traditional Italian cuisine. The flavors are mild, suited to Japanese preferences. The most memorable dish? The beloved “Milano-style Doria.” Despite its European name, it’s actually a Japanese invention—rice topped with white sauce and meat sauce, baked in an oven. (Even the concept of “doria” originated in Japan.) Surprised? So were my friends when I told them!
■Why I Recommend Saizeriya (Especially for New International Students)
- Everything tastes good
- Most main dishes cost under 500 yen
- You can order via paper or QR code
- Menu includes photos
- Easy to enter even if you're alone and speak little Japanese
For students who aren’t confident in their Japanese or are nervous about eating out, Saizeriya is the perfect safe space. It's available in every prefecture except six: Kochi, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa (as of May 2025). Even when you travel, it’s a reliable dining option.
Multilingual menus
・ Japanese
・ English
・ Chinese
【Ordering Tip】You can choose whether your dessert comes with the main dish or after. Be mindful when ordering both at once.
■My Top 6 Recommended Dishes (Yes, I’ve Tried Everything)
Yes, I’ve tried every item on Saizeriya’s menu. Here are my top picks:
Milano-style Doria: Rich and addictive
Sicilian-style Tarako Pasta: A perfect East-West fusion
Spicy Chicken: Juicy, spicy, and can be bought frozen at some locations
Shrimp Salad: Light and pairs well with any main
Buffalo Mozzarella Margherita Pizza: Simple and never boring
Tiramisu Classico: I’m devastated when it’s sold out
※All of these are between 300–500 yen, tax included!
【Bonus Info】
Add just 200 yen for the drink bar! (Free for children under 3, 100 yen for kids aged 4 to elementary school.) If you only want the drink bar, it's 300 yen. Saizeriya’s drink selection is impressively wide.
■Robots in Saizeriya!?
I was shocked when I went to a Saizeriya in Tokyo—robots were delivering food and even spoke Japanese! A cute-faced robot brought my meal. These service robots are only in select urban locations, but they’re a real eye-opener. Keep an eye out if you visit a Tokyo branch.
■Final Thoughts
So, what did you think about my favorite restaurant that even beginners in Japanese can enjoy alone? Saizeriya is a great example of how Japan blends and adapts foreign culture. Take kanji—imported from China but now uniquely Japanese in pronunciation and usage. Even English words get the “Japanese touch.”
A fun anecdote: My English teacher from Canada once saw a sign for “American Dog” (a corn dog) and thought Japanese people ate dogs! The truth? It’s Japan’s take on the American corn dog, made with wheat flour instead of cornmeal. This food was created by imitating American food culture, and that is why it was named “American Dog.”
Like that, Saizeriya too is Italian-style, but uniquely Japanese. And to me, every dish there is a window into Japanese culture. Saizeriya has become my “second dining table” an essential part of life in Japan. I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself what makes it so special.
